SOCCER
De Ligt Returns to Manchester United’s Starting XI After 325 Days
The defender started at Como after recovering from back surgery.
Matthijs de Ligt returned to Manchester United’s starting lineup against Como on Wednesday, ending a 325-day wait for an appearance. The club’s confirmed-team announcement identified his previous United match as the November 30, 2025 meeting with Crystal Palace.
The Dutch defender had recovered from back surgery and was an unused substitute in United’s two preceding matches. His selection in Italy therefore marked a return to competitive action after rejoining the matchday squad.
Michael Carrick named De Ligt alongside Harry Maguire in a defense that also included Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui. Mazraoui had made his own injury comeback as a halftime substitute against Leeds on Sunday.
United were without the suspended Leny Yoro following his red card against Atlético Madrid. Lisandro Martínez and Ayden Heaven were also absent from the traveling squad, with the club citing injury and illness among its unavailable players.
De Ligt had traveled for the earlier Madrid fixture. Wednesday’s start moved his comeback beyond that squad return, with Carrick making four changes from the team that drew at Leeds.
